6 Common Misconceptions
about Roofing and
the Roofing Industry
Misconception #1:
You should wait as long as possible to re-roof your home.
No! Your roof takes a beating every day from sun, wind and rain. Your shingles become brittle and crack with age and have a tendency to blow off and fail at an alarming rate with age. This exposes the roof decking (the sub-structure that literally, "keeps you out of the rain") to moisture which slowly deteriorates and rots the wood beneath, leading to leaks and more extensive damage.
Further, the metal flashings around chimney areas and at adjoining exterior walls (or rooflines), the penetration collars (around plumbing and heat stacks) and all other vents become worn and prone to water infiltration.
Next time you're outside, take a close look at your roof (most people don't pay attention to it until there's a problem). How does it look? Is it rough and weathered? Are the shingles "curling" or cracking? Is one section very distinguishable from all other areas? Finally, are you proud of the way your roof helps "show" your home, or are you embarrassed by its appearance?
Remember: By the time you have waited "as long as possible," you have probably waited too long and will end up spending your hard earned money on interior and sub-structure repairs, as well as a much needed roof replacement.
Misconception #2:
Covering your existing layer of shingles with new is as effective (and cost efficient) as tearing off the old materials and "starting from scratch."
Absolutely False
It is true that you may save a little money in the "short run" by contracting to have your project completed this way, but ultimately, you risk far more than you save. Here's why.
One of the most common reasons for shingle failure is the extreme build up of heat from the attic space beneath the roofing system. Logically, an additional layer of shingle material on your roof decking will hold heat at a much higher rate. Thus the new shingles will wear out more quickly than they should. Further, it becomes increasingly difficult to replace the necessary flashings because of the existing layer of shingles that remain on the roof. Most importantly, however, is the inability of your contractor to examine the plywood sheathing or plank board decking beneath the shingles. How is the contractor to know of any hidden problems that may exist within that sub structure?
He cannot! This could result in significant future problems that cannot be warranted either by the contractor or the shingle manufacturer. It is true that you may save a little money in the "short run" by contracting to have your project completed this way, but ultimately, you risk far more than you save.
Misconception #3:
All roofing contractors are the same, so select your contractor based on price alone.
No, Absolutely False! Many homeowners tend to look for the lowest "proposed" price! On a low estimate you must ask yourself what is being left out, what short cut is being taken, and how skilled are their tradesmen? Just like any other industry, you must pay for qualified employees!
One roofer had his re-roof job proposed at $326.50 cheaper than two other contractors. The homeowner wanted (for obvious reasons) to save money so he accepted this low bid. After the job was "completed" the homeowner noticed that the clean up job was less than acceptable. The "winning" bidder told the homeowner (this is a true story!) that for the deal the homeowner received he should not be griping about "a few nails."
One of the most common signs of impending trouble ahead is someone offering to do work for much less money than all others. Common sense will tell you that the contractor with no profit in the job to begin with is less likely to respond promptly to any future problems than the contractor who made a fair profit and wants to retain that client as a bonafide source of quality referrals.
Like anything else, "you can't get something for nothing." Be careful of choosing your roofing contractor based upon the lowest price!
Misconception #4:
When choosing shingle materials, the thicker and heavier products are always better.
While this sounds like good common sense, it is not always the case.
Some manufacturers use a coarse backsurfacing material that adds weight to the shingle mat. This material is no more than "filler" material because it contributes nothing to the durability of the shingle, only increased weight. The make up of the shingle mat itself, fiberglass compounds and asphalt coating are the materials that result in a quality product. In many cases, those shingles that are heavier because of increased filler materials are far less durable because they tend to be brittle from the very start. Hence, they have no flexibility and cannot withstand hearty winds and inclement weather as well. More important than just the weight of materials is the quality of those materials, the installation techniques, and complimentary products such as ice and water barriers and ventilation systems.
So bear in mind that while all government regulations, and severe testing standards should be met by the manufacturer you choose, selection solely on the basis of shingle weight is oftentimes misleading.
Let your contractor guide you in product selection. He or she should be willing to show you the pros and cons of the several types and brands available. You should feel completely confident with the product you have chosen, after all, you're going to have to live with it for many years to come!
Misconception #5:
The shingle manufacturers product warranty will follow the life of the shingle regardless of installation or workmanship techniques.
Absolutely, positively, Not true!
Many homeowners sincerely believe that regardless of the quality of craftsmanship performed, they can always "fall back" on the manufacturer if problems arise. This is simply not true!
All manufacturers have succinct, precise instructions that must be followed (or enhanced upon) by the contractor during the coarse of installation. Some are as simple as placement of shingle tab to shingle tab. Other requirements pertain to metal flashing installation and the correct way to start each row of shingles. Further, most consumers are not aware that a lack of sufficient ventilation in the roofing system can allow the manufacturer to void its warranty. However, most manufacturers as a crucial element to maintaining the warranty specify this!
Make sure that your contractor operates under these guidelines (and preferably has added expertise to enhance the entire installation procedure). We all know that there is a right way and wrong way of doing things. The roof on your home is not an area with which to experiment!
Misconception #6:
If the company/person claims to have years of experience, they must do quality work.
No! I can't begin to tell you how many people receive bad workmanship from contractors who've claimed to be in business for 15, even 20 years. Take experience claims with a grain of salt. Don't allow yourself to be comfortable thinking that just because someone has 20 years of experience, they will do a quality job. The very same contractor that you so desperately want to believe in based on his claims of experience could also be the one who has done a poor job for 20 years. I realize this seems unthinkable, but we live in an opportunity rich area. Poor craftsmanship and service can survive!
Investigate thoroughly to make sure you get a competent professional; Check their references carefully, call and ask their clients some, or all, of the questions raised in this report. If you have the time, go look at some of their work. Once you have researched the contractor to the best of your ability, reflect on how the contractor represented his or herself and then-"trust your instinct."